Aurora R12, issue running four monitors

Question

Hi, I have an R12 which I configured with a GeForce RTX 3080 GPU. This has 3 DP and 1 HDMI. I am currently working on setting up a quad monitor setup, with triple Samsung G7 43" smart monitors in a sim rig triple configuration. I will want to create the surround with these monitors and a 27" Samsung above the center monitor. The issue I am having is not matter what I can only get 2 of these monitors to power on. The three 43" monitors are 4k and connected via the DP ports the 27" is not 4k and connected via HDMI. Anyway I am only able to get 2 of the monitors to display at a time. I can switch between the monitors and all will display from the GPU. I have tried to setup the triple monitors with out the 27" plug in to the computer as well. Although my sats don't show that I am using that much watts I am wondering if the cause is the PSU is not powerful enough? I don't know if I have the 550w or 1000w PSU. Has anyone else had this issue. The GPU should be able to handle this setup but at the moment I am at a loss.

James

JPGale · Answer

I opened up the case and took a look at the PSU it says 1000W on it so I am guessing is it not a lack of power.

Vanadiel · Answer

Not enough internal heads by the sound of it. Especially with 4K resolution. Quad setup will require special hardware.

JPGale · Answer

@Vanadiel​ I am sorry I have not come across the head terminology in relation to graphics cards before, do you mean GPU cores or output ports? Can you explain so I can check please. Thanks James

Vanadiel · Answer

Each output connector uses an internal output head, called "internal head". The video card will need more than 1 internal head to drive an output connector pending on the amount of data needed.

Once you run out of internal heads, the remaining unused outputs will not operate.

So pending your configuration and especially with 4K resolution, 4 physical outputs will not all work at the same time.

JPGale · Answer

Ok makes sense how do I check on that, and assuming I need to upgrade how do I verify the new card has enough?

JPGale · Answer

Also I had considered an upgraded graphics card but I did not think it was warranted given the cost as there was not real reason.  So I am willing to upgrade to a 3090 or 4090.  Do you have recommendations.

JPGale · Answer

So I have been looking at more information. The NVidia 4090 card on their site list support for 4 monitors with 4k at 120Hz and 2 at higher refresh rates. For the 3080 there are no specifics for amount of monitors beyond 4. Given the newer tech and speed of the 4080 card it is safe to assume even if a 3080 could support 4 monitors it would likely be at a much lower refresh rate. I might be able to setup the monitors to take the lowest possible refresh rate and try it, but given the size issue of the card I am less hopeful.

The 5080 is released this month, it is listed as able to support 4 4k at 165Hz where as my monitors are 144Hz. However this card will not fit the system. There is a liquid cooled one at 280mm I could squeeze in but the cooling rad is too big. I would need to leave the side off. The other option would be to partially re-case the machine, get a new case and motherboard that will fit a 5080 in it. As I would like at some point to continue upgrading the system this maybe my best move.

Vanadiel · Answer

The R12 uses an OEM motherboard design that does not conform to ATX standards, so replacing the motherboard is not recommended. I would simply grab a new system with a 5080 once they arrive.

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Aurora R12, issue running four monitors

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